Edge Surface Clamping Apparatus with Pivot Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping apparatuses are inadequate for applying pressure to the edge surfaces of large workpieces, as they are either too small or not designed to support such applications effectively.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus comprising a frame, rollers, a rotation-control member, and biasing members that allow for the application of pressure to the edge surface of a workpiece by rotating and translating relative to the frame, enabling one-handed operation and uniform pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional clamping apparatus are used to apply pressure to edge surfaces, then pressure can be applied to small workpieces, but they cannot support large workpieces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs rollers that can rotate about pivot axes, allowing the clamping mechanism to dynamically adapt to large workpiece dimensions. The rotation capability enables the apparatus to maintain effective contact and pressure application across varying workpiece sizes and positions, resolving the contradiction between handling larger volumes and maintaining clamping reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional hand-held clamps are used, then they are simple in design, but they are not suitable for applying edge pressure to large workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping apparatus is divided into modular components including a frame, multiple rollers with pivot axes, and biasing members. This segmentation allows the apparatus to be configured for large workpieces while maintaining operational simplicity. Each module performs a specific function, making the overall system adaptable to large dimensions without compromising ease of use.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied to edge surfaces, then uniform pressure distribution is achieved, but specialized clamping apparatus is required which is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members in the apparatus act as flexible elements that automatically distribute pressure uniformly across the edge surface. These flexible components conform to the workpiece geometry and ensure even pressure distribution without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms, thus achieving manufacturing precision with reduced device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If installation effort is minimized for one-handed operation, then ease of operation improves, but retention stability on workpiece must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to install itself on the workpiece with minimal operator effort. The biasing members automatically engage and secure the apparatus to the workpiece edge, providing self-retention without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism maintains retention stability while enabling easy one-handed installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and uniform pressure application to large workpieces with minimal effort, allowing for easy installation and retention on the workpiece, and adjustable pressure levels based on the degree of protrusion.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member coupled to the first roller and to the second roller and configured to operate in tension
Implementation Method 2
creating a frictional coupling between the apparatus and the workpiece, which maintains the pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying pressure to at least a portion of an edge surface, which bridges opposing faces of a workpiece, comprises a frame, a first roller, a second roller, a rotation-control member, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The first roller and the second roller are coupled to the frame, are rotatable relative to the frame about a first pivot axis, and are translationally fixed relative to the frame. The rotation-control member is coupled to and is movable relative to the frame, controlling rotation of the first roller and the second roller relative to the frame. The first biasing member is coupled to the first roller and to the second roller and is configured to operate in tension. The second biasing member is positioned, in compression, between the frame and the rotation-control member.